Pvt colleges in Mangaluru deterred by govt policies

Addressing the principals and management members of private colleges in the annual general body meeting held at Besant Women's College on Monday, Shantharam stated that the government has unscientifically fixed the fee tariff for colleges imparting specialized education. Where a formula for calculation of fees is missing, it will hamper the functioning of private colleges, he said, appealing to the government to reconsider the fee structure. Bhasker Shetty, secretary of the association, said that the forum has partially succeeded in preventing the decision of the department of collegiate education on tuition fees at double the standard rate fixed by the government. Eighteen institutions have filed a petition, and the case is pending in the high court. The issue has been brought to the attention of the VC with regard to the steep hike in affiliation charges which is 50%-60% and the VC has assured that no fresh hike will be made this year. The online admission procedure, which the department of collegiate education was asking the colleges to follow during the beginning of this year will be deferred as no proper guidance was provided, Bhasker Shetty said. During the discussion, Nagar Narayan Shenoy of Besant institutions sought clarification on media reports on the government's fixing of quantum of fees for private colleges. Shantharam said that the association will take the matter with the government. Dayananda Shetty, principal, Madhava Pai Memorial College, said the NAAC accreditation is made mandatory but managing the NAAC team is proving to be a financial burden. Members shared their experiences about difficulties caused during the NAAC accreditation. Shetty said that students from other states admitted by the Union ministry of human resources development find problems with the subjects and the languages. -TOI